dr. steven kurts of the child mind institute believes he has the answer. jake and maya suffer from selective mutism. he says, not only can he cure it, he can do it in just one week. his theory is called brave buddies, which exposes them to the very thing they're afraid of. speaking in public. what's the key to the week here? >> repeated exposure to the same situations that they've been avoiding like the plague. but providing, kind of training wheels, until they can do it confidently on their own. >> reporter: the grownups are taught to stop overprotecting them and simply wait five seconds before jumping in. >> maya, what job would you like today? >> reporter: so, on day one, rule number one. maya is allowed to feel the painfully long silence, long enough for her to answer. >> i'm not sure. >> not sure? >> reporter: questions are designed to force answers. they are offered a choice, instead of nodding. >> jake, what job would you like? caboose or something else? >> caboose. >> great choice. >> reporter: jake's every mumble is praised. soon they are sent out